Williams Screwdriver Set

[JamesBill]

Are the Williams screwdrivers the same as the older snap on?

I have a few of these that I like

If these williams are the same, they look to be a great deal.


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bsaint]

Supposively they are. I just bought a set Friday. You want me to take pictures when they come in this week?

 

[JamesBill]

Pictures are fine but prefer you use them a little and let me know how they compare to the old Snap On. The tips especially the Phillips is really outstanding on them.

 

[bsaint]

I will take some pictures and also use them right away because I bought them for work.

 

[dsch]

I have the williams set. Handles are the same but not sure if the blades are. I have broken everyone but just had snap on blades put in as they broke and now I have snap on screw drivers.

 

[Matt018]

I have a set of the hard handles, They are a very nice set, I love mine.

 

[Pro-Painter]

That has always been the million dollar question. "How much like snap-on is Williams really?"
The screwdrivers look like mirror copy's, the sockets look very close to the same and their ratchets use older snap-on rebuild kits. But are they really the same? Are they made in the same factory? to the same specs? Are they made to lower specs since SO is the top brand? Or are they made to higher specs since they are SO's "industrial" brand? Or are they the same tools with a different name?

I would love to know the answer.

 

[Justin1776]

I just received a set of the Williams hard handles last week. I have compared them side by side with Snap On hard handles. My digital camera is on the fritz so i can't post pics at the moment. The biggest difference I have noticed is that the Williams have a visual line running down the handle longways where the mold comes together. This can be from less time finishing the handles or loose molds. I can feel it but it's not too noticeable and I'm sure with use they will wear down. The size dimensions are identical between the SO and Williams. Chrome appears to be the same, vapor blasted tips too. I just wish they came in colors other than black, hard to beat for the money!

 

[Juddy]

I have two sets of CAT screwdrivers which I am led to believe are Williams and they are great. I also have two sets of Snap On hard handles and they all seem the same and of the same quality

 

[Rogue1987]

I only have a few snap on hard handles, but I have 3 sets of Williams hard handles, and they have held up under the same torture (eg. being owned by me) that has killed klines and husky / craftsman. I love them. Just my $0.02, and not even worth that.

 

[kams1973]

I have the Williams set, and they are nearly identical to the older snappy hard handles. I've been using them over a year and have yet to have any trouble with them.

 

[JamesBill]

I have the Williams set, and they are nearly identical to the older snappy hard handles. I've been using them over a year and have yet to have any trouble with them.

If this is true I will have to try them. I have that exact # 2 phillips I showed in the first post and the tip never slips. When it goes in a screw it is almost as if it is welded.

 

[bcradio]

I have the williams set. Handles are the same but not sure if the blades are. I have broken everyone but just had snap on blades put in as they broke and now I have snap on screw drivers.

pics or it didn't happen!!!

 

[bsaint]

I got mine in and they are just the same to me. Grip and bite is the same. Mine, there is no visible mold mark in the handles.

 

[bcradio]

There are a lot of threads on this topic.

If memory serves, someone once measured the Snap-On and Williams and foud thy weren't identical, but were very close.

Edit- found it

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23116

Thanks... good thread

 

[bsaint]

Except he compares a 1st gen s/o hard handle to a 2nd gen style Williams :?

 

[rhastings80]

Note the customer submitted picture on Amazon says Made in USA & China...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B002NH5F30/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_1?ie=UTF8&index=1

 

[Jallred]

I have that set as well as the others. The bags are the only part made in china. All the screwdrivers have USA stamped into the handles.

 

[pipsters]

Note the customer submitted picture on Amazon says Made in USA & China...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B002NH5F30/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_1?ie=UTF8&index=1

Bag is Chinese

Drivers are USA

At least mine were

 

[bsaint]

Nope, read it carefully. He compares the Williams to first and second gen Snap-on drivers.

Right, he compares them to 1 2nd gen Snapon and all 1st gen Snapon. Doesnt make sense.

 

[JamesBill]

I got mine in and they are just the same to me. Grip and bite is the same. Mine, there is no visible mold mark in the handles.

Thanks!